Annex C

Consultation on the relaxation of Planning Controls
for Digital Communications Infrastructure

Minister

Minister for Local Government and Housing

Lead official

David Reekie

Officials involved in the
EQIA

name

team

Directorate: Division: Team

Directorate for Local Government & Communities:
Planning & Architecture Division: Development
Management Branch

Is this new policy or revision to an existing
policy?

Revision to existing

Screening

Policy Aim

This consultation invites views specifically on the further
expansion of certain existing
PD rights for
Electronic Communications Code Operators (
ECCOs),
as well as on the introduction of new
PD rights for the
construction or installation of new ground based masts for
ECCOs,
subject to a prior approval procedure.

The consultation includes draft legislation setting out a number
of proposed refinements and amendments to Class 67 of the Town and
Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order
1997 (
GPDO).
Class 67 grants permitted development rights for electronic
communications code operators to carry out works or operations
associated with providing that electronic communications code
operators network. The purpose is to remove the need for certain
developments to be subject to unnecessary costs and delays while
retaining appropriate control over such development.

This work contributes to the delivery of the following National
Outcomes;
National Outcome 1 - We live in a Scotland that is the most
attractive place for doing business in Europe.
National Outcome 10 - We live in well-designed sustainable
places where we are able to access the amenities and services we
need.

Who will it affect?

There will primarily be a reduction of some procedural and
financial burdens on planning authorities and electronic
communications code operators. There will be benefits for the wider
community in improved access to digital technology such as
broadband.

What might prevent the desired outcomes being
achieved?

While the planning system can seek to contribute to delivering
an improved telecommunications network by addressing unnecessary
delay and uncertainty within the planning system, other factors
which planning has no control over may impact on development.

Stage 1: Framing

Results of framing exercise

There will be potential benefits of the policy on each of the
protected characteristics through improved access to electronic
communications. There may however be some potential negative impact
on older people and disabled people as they are less likely to have
access to or have the skills for using the internet.

The proposals will affect all businesses seeking approval of a
relevant planning application proportionately.

Extent/Level of
EQIA
required

Further information and views are being sought through public
consultation. Subject to consultation responses, we believe that we
have sufficient information to understand the needs of the target
audience.

Stage 2: Data and evidence gathering, involvement and
consultation

Include here the results of your evidence gathering (including
framing exercise), including qualitative and quantitative data and
the source of that information, whether national statistics,
surveys or consultations with relevant equality groups.

Characteristic

Evidence gathered andStrength/quality of evidence

Source

Data gaps identified and action taken

Age

While it is considered that there will be potential
benefits of the policy on each of the protected
characteristics through improved access to electronic
communications, there may however be some potential negative
impact on older people as they are less likely to have access
to or have the skills for using the internet.

Previous
EqIA
undertaken for National Planning Framework (
NPF 3)
identified that the Scottish Government Digital Strategy may
impact negatively on older people

We do not have up to date evidence that there is in fact
a negative impact - will seek views during public
consultation.

Disability

There may be some potential negative impact on disabled
people as they are less likely to have access to or have the
skills for using the internet.